Organic farming option a boon for Davao resort

Twenty years ago, a visit to Davao City would not have been complete without a tour of GAP Farm and a photo taken with its iconic giant carabao in the background.

As the younger generation takes over, the destination is slowly repositioning itself in the tourism industry as a showcase for organic farming.

“The farm has been cleansed from chemical since 2009 and we are trying our best to convert from chemical to organic farming now,” resort manager Lenny V. Castillo said.

GAP Farm along Diversion Road boasts of a 10-hectare area planted to a variety of trees like durian, rambutan, santol and lanzones.

The largest tree population is rambutan, with 400 fruit-bearing trees planted all over the hilly area.

“My father started to develop the farm in 1973 but only made it operational in 1983,” she said.

The resort, she added, has provided an ideal destination for family outings and student field trips for almost 30 years now, and is still trying to find ways to reinvent itself albeit conservatively.

Castillo said they are planning to add more attractions in the farm in the next five years. They started with the construction of a new wading pool for babies and toddlers, in addition to the existing adult pool that is a favorite destination for swimming trainings during summer.

She said a zipline is also being considered although they are still studying such a big project and are looking for consultants who can guide them in putting it up.
Families who prefer quiet adventures can go to GAP and explore the hills while taking refuge under the tall trees that have seemed to magically sprout all over the place. “Kaya nga GAP because my father vowed never to leave a gap on the ground without a tree,” she added.

In the meantime, the resort continues to cater to private and corporate functions. It has six function halls for company launches and seminars as well as three swimming pools that can be rented out on an exclusive basis.